Partition structure



Aug. 15, 1939 e. M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed April 30, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet l Wm W 2 m W r W Aug. 15, 1939 a. M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed April 30, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 15, 1939 G. M. MILLS 2,169,273

PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed April so, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 RWWN INVENTOR (iOZZ Z M775 NNN NQ Patented Aug. 15, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PARTITION STRUCTURE tion of Ohio Application April 30, 1936, Serial No. 77,268

19 Claims.

This invention relates to partition structures, and more particularly to a partition built up from preformed, interchangeable parts.

According to the invention, a partition structure is provided which is built up from a plurality of preformed, metallic panel units which are suitably supported on a building floor or other base, and are interconnected at their end edges by detachable clip means. The panel units may be constituted by spaced metal sheets secured to structural members to form a unitary structure prior to assembly in the partition, and when the units are connected the space between the panel edges may be covered by cap members which are removable to permit adjustment, rearrangement or disassembly of the partition, and which may be so formed and attached to the assembled structure as to be substantially flush with the surfaces of the panel units.

The invention also provides a panel formed of sheets having integral therewith a portion adapted to receive and form a seat for a sheet or plate of glass or other material constituting a portion of the panel surface. The panel sheets may also 25 be suitably formed to receive transom members, doors, windows and other wall-forming members, and may be spaced to permit the insertion therebetween of heat or sound-insulating material, electric wiring, air-conditioning ducts and the like. The panel units, preferably, are so formed as to permit the attachment thereto of continuous base and cornice covers which may be readily removable to permit access to the corresponding portions of the partition structure.

The invention also provides a partition structure constituted by relatively simple and easily formed, interchangeable members, which are adapted to be assembled quickly and easily and withoutthe aid of special tools or apparatus to form a sturdy, attractive, partition structure which is capable of being easily adjusted to any irregularities in the building structure in which it is installed, and which can be easily readjusted, modified or replaced without damage to the partition or the building in which it is installed.

Various other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following particular description and from an inspection of the accompanying drawings.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which:

Fig. 1 is a view in elevation showing a partition structure embodying the present invention; 5 Fig. 2 is a view showing a horizontal section taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, illustrating the construction where the partition abuts the wall surface;

Fig. 3 is a view showing a horizontal section 10 taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, showing a portion of a panel unit and the adjacent door frame;

Fig. 4 is a view showing a horizontal section taken along the line |4 of Fig. 1, illustrating 15 the connection between two adjacent panel units containing windows;

Fig. 5 is a view showing a horizontal section taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, illustrating a portion of a panel unit, and the hinge side of 20 the adjacent door frame;

Fig. 6 is a view showing a horizontal section taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1, illustrating the construction at a right-angle turn of the partition;

Fig. 7 is a view showing a vertical section taken along the line 7-1 of Fig. 1, illustrating the construction of a solid panel unit;

Fig. 8 is a view showing a vertical section taken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 1, illustrating the con- 30 struction of a panel unit having a window and transom therein;

Fig. 9 is a view showing a vertical section taken along the line 99 of Fig. 1, illustrating the construction of a portion of a door and 00- 35 operating transom;

Fig. 10 is a view showing a horizontal section illustrating a construction wherein two panels intersect at right angles, and a door is provided adjacent. the intersection;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view showing the details of the base construction, various portions of the structure being broken away to show the interior construction;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the construction of the connection between two adjacent panel units, various portions of the structure being broken away to show the interior construction;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view through the cornice and adjacent panel units illustrating the connection between the panel units and the cornice;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line M-M of Fig. 13;

able cap Ii.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary transverse cross-sectional view taken along the line I5 -I5 of Fig.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the floor connection at a door jamb; and

Fig. 1'7 is a fragmentary front elevational view illustrating the base clip and base cover construction connected to a plaster partition.

Referring now particularly to Fig. l, the partition structure may be constituted by a plurality of preformed, interchangeable panel units I, 2, 3, 4 and a door unit 5. Several units may be suitably supported on the floor of a building and connected together at their edges in a manner which will be pointed out more fully hereinafter, and the space between the edges closed by a suit- A continuous base I may extend along all of the panel units, except the door unit 5 and a continuous cornice 8 may extend throughout the length of the partition. The space between the cornice and the ceiling may be filled by a ceiling filler 9, and the space between the end panel and the abutting wall filled by a side or wall filler I0.

For the purposes of illustration, various types of panel units are shown; the panel unit 4 being formed as a continuous opaque panel; the unit 3 being constituted by an opaque portion I2 and a glazed transom I3; the unit 2 including an opaque portion I4, a glazed portion I5, a transom bar I6 and a transom I7; and the door unit 5 may include a door frame I8 having a door constituted by a frame portion 20, an opaque portion 2|, a glazed portion 22, and a transom 23 may be provided above the door frame.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 7, the panel unit 4 may be constituted by a pair of spaced, parallel, metallic panel sheets II secured to a lower structural or frame member 3I having depending flanges 32 provided with an angular shoulder constituted by portions 33 and 34, and to an upper structural or frame member 35 formed with a flange 36 and angular shoulder portions 31 and 38. Referring to Fig. 2, the panel sheets I I are also joined to vertical end or frame members 40 having flanges M, the vertical edges of each panel sheet II being provided with an inturned flange 42, a shoulder portion 43 and an offset portion 44.

Preferably, a pair of sheets 39 of packing or insulating material is disposed in the seats c0nstituted between the panel sheets II and the frame members 3|, 35 and 40. The insulating sheets 39 are spaced and secured by a plurality of horizontal struts 45 having flange portions 46 adapted to abut the inner surfaces of the sheet 39, and prongs 41 extending from the flanges 46 into the members 39 and having their ends 48 bent over to lock the prongs 41 to the sheets 39.

The panel units I and 2 may be formed in a manner somewhat similar to the panel unit 4, except that the panel sheets I4 are provided at their upper ends with integral inturned flanges 5I'having shoulder portions 52 and 53 cooperating to constitute a seat for a sheet of glass or other wall-forming material of less thickness than the distance between the faces of the panel sheets. A cooperating pair of moulding members 56, 55 may be provided having upstanding flange portions 51' terminating in inturned ends 53, defining a seat for the upper end of the sheet 55.

The moulding members 56, 56' are provided with flanges 59, 59 respectively, each adapted to be received in a rebent clip portion 60 of a transom bar BI having a web 62 formed with a groove 63 adapted to receive the lower end of a transom sheet 64. The upper end of the transom sheet 64 is received in a seat constituted by complementary flange portions 60 and $1 of a second pair of moulding members 65. Each of the mou1ding members 65, 65 has a flange 69 received in a rebent clip portion I0 of a channel 'II having depending flanges 12, which latter member constitutes the upper end portion of the panel unit I. The molding members 56 and 65 on one side of the panel unit may be permanently secured, as by welding, to the clip portions 60 and I0, respectively, and similar members on the other side of the panel unit may be detachably received in the clips 60 and I0.

Referring to Fig. 4, the sheet 55 is received at its sides in vertical frame members 80, each of which is formed with a web portion BI extending transversely of the panel unit and provided with a vertical channel 82 midway of the panel unit. The frame member is formed with flanges 83, offset portions 84 and shoulder portions 85 which may be similar in shape to the corresponding portions of the panel sheets. The frame members 80 of adjacent panel units may be clipped together by clip members H5 and H9 in a manner similar to that in which the panel sheets of adjacent panels are secured, as will hereinafter be explained.

All of the panel units may be supported on the floor of the building by a base construction, as shown in detail in Figs. '7 and 11, to which reference now is made. A base channel 90, having flanges BI, rests upon the floor or other supporting surface, and a plurality of pressure pads or tables 82 are disposed on the channel at spaced points, preferably adjacent the ends of the panel units. Supported by each pressure pad 92 is an upright levelling screw 93 supporting a U-shaped leg 94 which is positioned on the screw 93 by a levelling wheel 95, preferably having a scalloped edge and a lock wheel 96 which may be of similar form. The leg member 94 has side portions 9'! extending upwardly and having at their upper ends offset portions 98 which may be suitably secured to the flanges 32 of the structural member 3|, by welding, thereby to support the panel.

A base clip I00 has a portion IOI extending along the flange 9| of the base channel 90, and is provided with an offset hook portion I02 adapted to engage over the flange SI. The bottom edge of the clip I00 is turned upwardly to provide a hook portion I03. Adjacent the upper end, the clip I00 is provided with a cut-out portion I04 and a communicating slot I05 of less width, and the adjacent portion of the panel sheet 3| is formed with a pair of clips I06 adapted to be inserted through the opening I04 and moved into engagement with the portions of the clip I00 adjacent the slot I05. The clip I00 is formed with an offset clip portion I01, and a base cover I08 has a flange I09 adapted to engage the clip portion I01 and a doubly rebent flange IIO adapted to engage the clip portion I03 adjacent the floor.

Adjacent panel units may be secured together by a clip construction, shown in detail in Figs. 2, 11 and 12, to which reference now is made. A planar clip member II5, preferably formed from sheet or plate material, is provided with notches H6 and hook portion III. The clip member H5 is adapted to receive the flanges 42 of the panel sheets II in the notches I6, to thus prevent separation of adjacent panel units longitudinally of the partition.

A cooperating planar clip member 9, also preferably formed of sheet material, is provided with laterally extending flanges at its corners forming a pair of hook portions I2I. The clip member H9 is inserted between adjacent panel units, and forced down into engagement with the first clip member I I5, the side edges abutting the flanges 42 opposite the hook portions H1 and the hook portions I2I engaging the shoulder portions 44. The clip member H9 assists the clip member II 5 in preventing lateral separation of the panel units, and a sufficient number of similar pairs of clip members is provided to prevent twisting or displacement of the panel units to provide a rigid partition structure. Preferably, the clip members H5 and H9 are provided with perforations II 8 and I22, respectively, for permitting wiring conduits or other members to be passed therethrough.

The space between adjacent panel units may be covered by a metal cap 6 formed with flanges I24 having inturned edge portions I21 adapted to abut the shoulder portions 44 and to engage the lug portions I2I of the clip members H9. The caps 6, preferably, are so formed that their principal outer faces are flush with the faces of the panel sheets of adjacent panels and may have offset portions I26 for the purpose of providing decorative grooves.

Referring now to Figs. 7, 8 and 9 a cornice structure may be provided at the upper ends of the panel units, and may have a pair of structural members, such as channels I30, arranged back to back. Each channel I30 has a flange I3I adapted to rest upon the tops of the panel units, and a clip portion I32 bent over and adapted to lie against the faces of the panel units. The channel I30 also has a flange I34 having a doubly bent edge portion I35 providing shoulders I36 and I31. A cornice cover I38 is formed with an upper flange I39 having its edge I40 bent over and adapted to engage the shoulder I36 and a lower flange I4I having its edge I42 bent over to lie against the face of the panel unit and resiliently engage the clip portion I32. The cornice covers I38 are removable for the purpose of permitting access to the space within the cornice channels I30 to permit stringing of electric conduits W, or other service lines.

The cornice channel I30 may be connected to the panel units by a detachable connection shown in detail in Figs. 13 to 15, to which reference now is made. The connection comprises a link member I43 having a foot portion I44 extending through and engaging a connecting bar I45 which extends horizontally between the ends of the adjacent panel units. The ends of the con necting bar I45 may seat under transverse channel members which are Welded or otherwise suitably secured to the flanges 4I of the end members 40.

The link member I43 extends through the flange I3I of the cornice channel I30, and is provided with a hook portion I41 through which a wedge-shaped cotter key I48 or other locking member may be inserted. The key I48 may be driven into the portion I41 with sufiicient force to draw the cornice channel tightly against the top surfaces of the panel units, whereafter the key is opened to lock it in position.

The superstructure or top filler 9 may rest upon and be secured to the flanges I34 of the cornice channels I30. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown a top filler comprising wall members I49 connected to horizontal structural members I49.

Where a partition is run from a wall or other vertical surface I50, a side or wall filler I may be provided, as shown more particularly in Fig. 2. A wall channel II, having its web seated against a wall surface I50 and secured thereto as by means of screws I52, has flanges I53 extending outwardly and formed with a doubly rebent and folded portion providing a clip I54. The clips I54 receive the ends of filler members I55, each of which is adapted to constitute a wall surface substantially flush with the surface of the panel. Each filler member I55 is provided with a. flange I56 having shoulder-forming portions I51 and I58 formed similarly to the flanges 42 of the panel sheets II. An end member I59 similar to the end member 40 is provided with flanges I60 which rest against and are secured to shoulder-forming portions I58, thus providing an end structure similar to that of the adjacent panel which cooperates with clip members H5 and H9 in a similar manner to that described in connection with the panel units.

Where a. corner or angle condition of the partition is desired, this may be formed as shown more particularly in Fig. 6. A corner bracket I64 having a web portion I65 and angularly disposed flanges I66 is adapted to secure the ends of adjacent panel units in predetermined angular relation. The bracket I64 is secured to the end of the adjacent panel by clips I68 and I69 which engage opposite faces of the inturned flanges 42 and are secured together by a. bolt I which passes through the flange I66 and the clips I68 and I69. The bolt may be threaded into the clip I 69 or secured by a nut (not shown).

A corner cap member I1I of suitable shape is detachably secured over the corner, and has its outer surfaces lying flush with the wall surfaces of the adjacent panel units. The cap I1I is provided with inturned flanges I12 having their ends I13 bent over and adapted to lie flat against the adjacent shoulder portion 44 of the panel sheet, and the bracket I64 is provided with a. spring clip portion I61 for resiliently engaging the ends I13 of the corner cap I1I. The cap may be provided with recesses I14 providing decorative grooves or the like, and the corner I may be recessed for decorative purposes. An interior bead member I80 having spring clip flanges NH and bevel portions I82 may be sprung into engagement with the inside panel sheets for covering the inside corner.

Where a three-way partition condition is desired, the same may be formed in the manner shown in Fig. 10. The construction is generally similar to that shown in Fig. 6 and described in the foregoing, except that two corner connections are made at right angles to each other, one between the intersecting partition and each of the aligned partitions. Two brackets I65 and associated connecting members I68, I69 and I10 are used, and the connecting brackets I65 are disposed one above the other and rotated 90 from each other. The space between the aligned partitions may be covered by a cap 6 engaging the clips I61 of the brackets I65.

Where a door is to be provided, the frame I0 may have vertical channel portions 200, each formed with a web I having a shoulder 202 constituting a vertical door-check and flanges 203 constituting wall-forming surfaces. Flanges 203 are provided with inturned edges 204 having shoulder portions 205 and 206, whereby the channel portion 200 may be secured to an adjacent panel unit by clip members H5 and H9 in the same manner as that described for the connection of two adjacent panel units.

The door may be swung from one of the channel portions 200 by a hinge 208 abutting and secured to the web portion 20 I, and may comprise a frame 20 constituted by a pair of channel members 209 and a channel-shaped header 220. Each channel 209 may have an inclined web 2I0, constituting the end edge of the door, and flanges 2I I extending therefrom and terminating in a doubly bent clip portion 2I2 which receives the offset edge 2I3 of a wall-forming sheet 2 I4, which constitutes the opaque or solid portion of the door. Insulating fillers 2I5 and 2I6 may be inserted in the channels 209, and between the sheets 2I4, if desired.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, a glass or other panel portion 22 of reduced thickness may be secured between the vertical channels 209 by channels 222, each of which'has groovedweb 223 adapted to receive the glass 22, and flanges 224 adapted to seat in the clip portions 2I2 of the vertical channels 209. The header 220 is provided with a web 225, having a shoulder portion 226 and an inset groove portion 221. A retaining strip 228 formed as a channel has one flange seated in the groove 221, and another flang 230 bearing against the web 225, and constitutes with the shoulder 226 a seat for the upper end of the glass 22.

The header 220 may be provided with a reinforcing channel 23I, and is adapted to abut a header 23I' of the door frame I8. The header 23I is formed as a channel and has a web 232 provided with a shoulder 233 constituting a door check. A reinforcing channel 234 is disposed in the header 23I. The flanges of the header 23I may be formed at their ends as clips 235 adapted to receive the inturned flanges 236 of a glass moulding member 231, which may support a transom glass 238 which latter may be received in a glass moulding 239 and channel 240 similar to those shown in Fig. 8.

The construction at the floor connection for the door frame at a corner is illustrated in Fig. 16. Extending from the base channel 90 is a plate 300 on which rests a pressure pad 30I, which may be secured by a screw 302 and may carry a stud 303 on which is threaded a leveling wheel 304. A clip angle 3I0 has one flange secured to the door frame channel 200, as by welding, and a flange 3II extending therefrom and formed with a slot 3I2 to receive the stud 303. A channel-like clamp 3I3, having an opening (not shown) for receiving the stud 303, is pressed down against the flange 3H by a nut 3I4 threaded on the stud 303. The flange 3H is formed with hooks 3I5 which retain the clamp 3I3. This construction serves to support the door frame member 200 at the desired level and position and also prevents twisting thereof.

The base clip I may be provided with a slot III for the purpose of receiving a screw II2 for attaching the clip I00 to a plaster partition H3 (Fig 17) or other structure. Thus, the base cover I00 may be attached to a wall or partition of any suitable construction. This feature is advantageous, since the base cover may be extended continuously along a combined partition consisting of one or more sections of different construction, such as, a metallic partition and a plaster partition.

The partition may be assembled as follows: The panel units are each constructed by forming a core consisting of the struts 45 and flller sheets 39, whereafter the frame members 3I, 35 and 40 are disposed in their proper positions and flnally the panel sheets II (or I4) are applied and welded to the frame members while under pres sure. In the case of the glazed panel unit, the unit is assembled, but the glass sheets 55 and 64 and the moulding members 56 and 65 on one side of the panel unit are not assembled until the partition has been erected.

The base channel 60 is secured to the floor, and the pressure pads 82 disposed thereon and the legs 94 of the first panel unit are mounted on the levelling wheel 85 by which the panel unit is brought to the approximate desired level. The next panel unit is then mounted, and connected to the first panel unit by clips H5 and I I9. The clip I I5 is applied by inclining it at an angle and engaging one of the hooked portions H1 with one pair of flanges 42 of the first panel, whereafter the clip I I5 is tilted down to horizontal position with the other hooked portion II1 engaging the opposite pair of flanges 42. The second clip I I9 is then applied by engaging one of the hooked portions I2I with the flanges 42 of adjacent panel units and is rocked into engagement with all four flanges 42 and is pressed down into face to face contact with the flrst clip H5. When all of the panel units have been clipped together, the several levelling wheels 95 are suitably actuated to bring the panel units into vertical alignment and adjust them to the desired level. Wherever the partition is to be run from a wall, as will generally be the case, and where a corner condition occurs, these portions will be assembled in a manner which will be apparent from the drawings and accompanying description.

After the panel units have been mounted and levelled, the post caps 6 are applied by snapping the flanges I21 over the hook portions I2I of the clips H9 so that the inner faces of the flanges I21 seat against the outer faces of the offset portions 44 of the panel sheets, thus closing the space between adjacent panel units. The base clip I00 is applied by hooking the portion IOI over the flange 9| of the base channel 90 and passing the clip portions I06 of the panel sheets through the opening I04, whereafter the clip is dropped into position. The base cover I08 can then be assembled by inserting the flanges I09 and H0 in the clip portions I01 and I03 of the base clip. The cornice cover is applied by hooking the flange I40 over the shoulder I36 of the cornice channel I30, and then snapping the lower flange I42 over the clip portion I32 of the channel I30.

After the partition has been completely assembled and adjusted, the various glazed portions. such as the sheet I5 and the transoms I3, I1 and 23, can be inserted. For example, the glass sheet 55 is inserted in the seats constituted by the flanged portions 52 of the panel sheets I4 and the channel portions 82' of the vertical members 80. A quantity of putty or other suitable material can be disposed in the seats to secure the glass sheet 55 therein and the moulding member 56 is then inserted in cooperative relation with the moulding member 56, the flange 59' being received by the clip portion 60. The other glazed portions may be inserted in an analogous manner.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention provides a partition structure which can be easily and economically formed from a minimum number of stock parts. The parts are of such design that substantially all of them can be formed readily froin sheet or plate material by simple punching, drawing, bending and other relatively inexpensive operations. The construction provided by the present invention is adaptable for meeting substantially all ordinary conditions, such as corners, intersections, doors, odd lengths and the like, without necessitating the use of parts of special size or shape.

The partition structure is one which can be quickly and easily erected in the field without the aid of special tools or apparatus. Inasmuch as the panels, base construction, panel connections, cornice connections and other important parts are detachable, the partition may be disassembled, adjusted or altered without necessitating demolishing the partition or destroying or injurying any of the parts or adjacent portions of the building in which the partition is installed.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without depart. ing from the spirit of the invention.

Certain subject matter herein disclosed but not claimed, is disclosed and claimed in applicants copending application, Serial No. 7,648, filed February 21, 1935.

What is claimed is:

1. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a plurality of panel units, and means securing said panel units together to form a partition, each of said panel units including spaced, identical wall-forming members, a panel constituting a wall of less thickness than the remainder of said panel unit, and means for securing said panel in said panel unit, said last means including a pair of identical moulding members having clip connection to said wallforming members respectively, and means permanently securing one of said moulding members to the corresponding wall-forming members, the other moulding member having a detachable connection to its wall-forming member.

2. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a plurality of panel units each including spaced panel sheets, means securing said panel sheets together, and a plurality of leg members for each panel unit, each having upstanding portions secured to said panel unit adjacent the panel sheets respectively, and a transverse portion below the lower edges of said panel sheets, means for securing said panel units together to form a partition, and means engageable with said transverse portion for adjustably supporting said leg member on a partition-supporting surface.

3. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a plurality of panel units each including spaced panel sheets, means securing said panel sheets together, and a U-shaped leg member having flanges secured to said panel sheets and a web portion extending below the lower edge of said panel unit, means for securing said panel units together to form a partition, and means engageable with said web portion for adjustably supporting said panel unit on a partition-supporting surface.

4. A partition structure comprising in combination a plurality of panel units and means securing said panel units together to form a partition, each of said panel units including spaced panel sheets, means securing said panel sheets together, a panel member of less thickness than the distance between panel sheets, a transome member secured in said panel unit and including spaced wall members formed with inturned flanges defining recesses, and moulding members having outer flanges seated in said recesses respectively and inner flanges defining a seat for said panel member.

5. A partition structure comprising in combination a plurality of panel units and means securing said panel units together to form a partition, each of said panel units including spaced panel sheets, means securing said panel sheets together, a panel member of less thickness than the distance between panel sheets, inturned flanges integral with said panel sheets and forming a seat for one edge of said panel member, a transom member secured in said panel unit and including spaced wall members formed with inturned flanges defining recesses, and moulding members having outer flanges seated in said recesses respectively and inner flanges defining a seat for another edge of said panel member.

6. A partition structure including, in combination, a plurality of panel units, each of said panel units comprising a pair of spaced wallforming panel sheets, filler sheets of sound and heat insulating material lying against the inner walls of each of said panel sheets, frame members securing said panel sheets together to form a panel unit, and spacing and reinforcing studs extending between said filler sheets intermediate the edges of said panel unit and having portions adapted to abut the inner surfaces of said filler sheets, and other portions adapted to pierce said filler sheets whereby to assist in maintaining said studs in position.

7. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a plurality of panel units each including a generally channel-shaped frame member, means for securing said panel units together to form a partition, a generally U-shaped leg member for each panel unit having its legs secured to the flanges respectively of said frame member, said leg member extending below the lower edge of said panel unit, and means for adjustably supporting said leg member on a partition-supporting surface.

8. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a plurality of panel units each including spaced panel sheets forming opposite faces of the unit, means securing said panel sheets together, and a U-shaped leg member having flanges secured to said panel unit adjacent opposite faces thereof and a web portion below the lower edge of said panel unit, means for securing said panel units together to form a partition, and means engageable with the web portions of said leg members for adjustably supporting said panel units on a partition-supporting surface.

9. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a plurality of panel units, means for securing said panel units together to form a partition, a U-shaped foot depending from the lower edge of each of said panel units, a pad adapted to be secured to a floor, a stud extending upwardly from said pad and adapted to receive said U-shaped foot, and a leveling nut adjustable on said stud and adapted to support said U- shaped foot.

10. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each of said panel units including a pair of spaced, generally parallel,

panel sheets, a generally channel-shaped member having flanges extending along and secured to the bottom portions of said panel sheets respectively, a U-shaped foot associated with each 01' said panel units and having upstanding flanges secured to the flanges 01' said channel, means for supporting said feet on a floor, and means for connecting said panel units together to form a partition.

11. A partition structure comprising, in combination, a panel unit having a supporting loot. a door frame adapted to be secured in angular relation to said panel unit, a pad adapted to be secured to a floor, a plurality of studs upstanding from said pad at least one of which supports said foot, a connecting member rigidly secured to said door frame member and projecting therefrom, and means securing said connecting member rigidly to another of said studs.

12. A partition structure comprising in combination a plurality of panel units, each of said panel units comprising generally channel shaped metal frame members extending along the vertical and horizontal edges of the panel unit, generally channel shaped metal strut members intermediate said frame members, wall-forming metal panel sheets extending over the faces of said panel units, spaced filler sheets of insulating material extending along the sides of said panel unit between said struts and said panel sheets, means intermediate the ends of said strut members for attaching said strut members to said filler sheets, and means securing said panel sheets to said frame members adjacent the edges of said panel unit.

13. In a partition construction, a plurality of panel units, a floor channel extending under said units, spaced brackets detachably connected to said channel and. said units, a base member extending along the floor and closing the space between the panels and floor channel, and means for detachably securing said base member to said brackets.

14. A clip member for attaching a base cover to a partition or wall comprising a metal plate having a. body portion, clip portions adjacent each end of said body portion for engagement with a base cover, and a clip portion intermediate the body for engagement with a wall or partition member.

15. In combination in a building structure, a partition or wall, a floor member having an upstanding portion, a plurality of spaced clip members each having a clip portion receiving said upstanding portion and upper and lower clip portions adapted to receive a base cover, and a base cover having upper and lower portions in clipping engagement with the clip portions oi. said clip members.

16. In a partition construction, a plurality of panel units, a floor member extending under said panel units, a plurality of spaced brackets for supporting a base cover, means detachably connecting said brackets to said floor member and said panel units and permitting sliding movement or said brackets relative to at least one of the members to which it is connected whereby said panel units can be adjusted relatively to said floor member without removing said brackets, a base cover extending along the door and closing the space between the panel units and the floor member, and means for detachably securing said base cover to said brackets.

17. In a partition construction, a plurality of panel units, a door channel extending under said panel units. a plurality of spaced brackets for supporting a base cover, means detachably connecting said brackets to said channel and said panel units including a clip adapted to engage a flange of said floor channel, a base cover extending along the floor and closing the space between the panel units and the floor channel, and means for detachably securing said base cover to said brackets.

18. In a partition construction, a plurality of panel units, a floor member extending under said panel units, a plurality of spaced brackets for supporting a base cover, means detachably connecting said brackets to said channel and said panel units and permitting sliding movement oi said brackets relative to at least one of the members to which it is connected, said connecting means including projections on said panel units and slots in the brackets having enlarged portions adapted to receive said projections therethrough and reduced portions slidingly engaging said projections, a base cover extending along the floor and closing the space between the panel units and the floor member, and means for detachably securing said base cover to said brackets.

19. In a partition construction, a plurality of panel units, a floor channel extending under said units, a plurality of spaced brackets for supporting a base cover, each of said brackets including a body having top and bottom lips for engagement with a base cover, means detachably connecting said brackets to said channel and said panel units and permitting sliding movement 01'. said brackets relative to at least one of the members to which it is connected, 9. base cover extending along the floor for closing the space between the panel units and the floor channel and having top and bottom flanges detachably engaging the top and bottom lips of the brackets respectively.

GEORGE M. MILLS. 

